TJX trust fund set up

The TJX Companies Inc. has established The TJX Family Memorial Trust Fund for the survivors of the seven TJX associates lost in the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001.

"It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that I inform you that our worst fears have been realized, as all seven of our associates have been confirmed to have been on American Airlines flight 11 bound for Los Angeles," said Ted English, president and ceo. Originating in Boston, the flight was one of the two hijacked airplanes to crash into the World Trade Center.

Neilie Casey, 32, was a merchandise planning manager who had been with the company for eight years and who was traveling to Los Angeles to visit stores. She is survived by her husband and 7-month-old daughter.

Tara Creamer, 30, was a merchandise planning manager who had been with the company for eight years, and was also on her way to visit stores in California. She is survived by her husband and two children.

Robin Kaplan, 33, was a senior store equipment specialist who had been with the company for eight years. She was headed to California to help prepare for a new T.J. Maxx opening. She is survived by her parents, of which her mother is also a TJX employee.

Christine Barbuto, 32, a five-year company employee and a buyer in ladies sportswear, was headed to California on a buying trip. She is survived by her father and two sisters.

Linda George, 27, a buyer who had been with the company for five years, was also headed on a buying trip. She is survived by her fiancé— also an employee of the company — her parents, brother and sister.

Lisa Fenn Gordenstein, 41, was an assistant vp, merchandise manager. She worked at the company for 17 years in several divisions, and was headed to California on a buying trip. She is survived by her husband and two children.

An unidentified seventh associate was 42 years old and an assistant vp, merchandise planning and allocation, who had been with the company for 11 years. She is survived by her husband and two children.

"I would like to once again say how important every individual is to this company and how devastated we all are at this terrible loss," English added.

"We are doing everything in our power to help the families of our lost associates as well as all of our other associates at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all of the families of the victims of this horrible tragedy."

Businesses and individuals who would like to make donations to the trust may do so by sending a check made payable to: The TJX Family Memorial Trust Fund to: The TJX Family Memorial Trust Fund, c/o Fleet Bank, 355 North Main St., Mansfield, MA 02048.